Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi)
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Butterfly Fish
Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholzi
38 Litres (10 US G.)
7.6-10.2cm (3-4 ")
Freshwater
6.0 - 7.5
23 -30 °C (73.4-86°F)
2-10 °d
1:1 M:F
3-5 years
Family
Pantodontidae
Contents
Additional names
- Butterfly Fish, Freshwater Butterflyfish, African Butterflyfish
Additional scientific names
- Pantodon buccholzi, Pantodon buchholzi macrolepis, Pantodon buchholzi schizonotus, Pantodon bucholzi
Sexing
- The male has a concave anal fin, whereas the female has a convex anal fin.
Tank compatibility
- A top-dwelling carnivorous hunter, will eat smaller fish and has a surprisingly large mouth. Tank mates need to be considered carefully, not only must they not be small enough to be eaten, but must also not be nippy as the Butterfly Fish has long fins and is not a very active swimmer. They should also ideally be mid-bottom dwellers, if indeed any tank mates are kept at all.
Diet
- The diet includes flakes, live foods such bloodworm and brine shrimp, and they are capable of eating fish as large as a neon tetra.
Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics
- They prefer soft and acidic water with lots of floating vegetation and a slow current. A temperature of 23.3-30°C (74-86°F) is preferred. Use a tight-fitting cover glass, they will jump at the slightest provocation, although some plant or a piece of cork bark floating on the surface helps to discouraging this.
Behaviour
- Will spend almost all of it's time near the surface, patiently waiting for something to come into reach to get eaten.
Identification
- This fish is mottled brown in colouration with large ventral fin extensions about 7.6-10.2cm (3-4") long.
Pictures
Videos
| Side view: | Top view, feeding: |
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
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